” “A “deferential thought” along with “a heart-felt recollection in prayer” have been addressed by Benedict XVI to the president of the Republic of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, in his telegraphic message sent this morning as he left for Poland, the destination of his second international apostolic journey, where he is going to stay until May 28th. “As I prepare to leave the soil of Italy reads the message for my apostolic journey to Poland, during which I will pay tribute to the unforgettable figure of my revered predecessor, John Paul II, the illustrious child of the noble Polish nation, I would like to send you, Mr President, and to all Italians my deferential thought along with a heart-felt recollection in prayer”. As he left the Italian soil, Benedict XVI sent similar messages to the Heads of State of the countries he was flying over. To Janez Drnovsek, president of Slovenia, he ensured “prayer for the good and the peaceful cohabitation of the whole Slovenian population”, for the “esteemed Austrian country” the Pope invoked “God’s protection and blessing”, while to the Slovakian people he confirmed his “spiritual closeness and recollection in prayer”.
